Climbing
Climbing and rope activities for all abilities
Climbing at Calvert
Climbing is an exciting and inclusive activity that can be adapted, with the right setting and equipment, to suit a wide range of needs. Calvert Lakes offers a choice of climbing and roped activities that people of all abilities can enjoy in a safe and supportive environment.
Onsite we have an amazing sports hall with a moveable climbing and bouldering wall. By changing the pitch, we create easier or harder ascents depending on the amount of challenge preferred. Our accessible climbing facilities provide a range of opportunities for beginners and intermediate climbers, with experienced instructors on hand to give expert guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
Outside of the centre, we offer climbing and abseiling at the Bowderstone, a giant local climbing boulder that more ambulant visitors like to try.
Climbing will look different for everyone. For mobile people, there are routes that challenge and for less mobile, we have adaptive harnesses, hoists and rope activities that push boundaries and offer sensory experiences.
The exhilaration of leaving the ground is a personal, embodied thrill that almost anyone can experience. Wheelchair users have the option to abseil down our wheelchair slab outside the sports hall or try our indoor swing, outdoor zip wire or purpose-built wheelchair challenge course too.
We can adapt all our activities to a pace and level that suits the needs of a group, ensuring everyone can challenge themselves and experience fun and rewarding adventures.
Indoor climbing wall
Outside rock climbing
Climbing is great for:
Building physical strength
Adaptive climbing equipment:
Check out the adaptive equipment which allows all of our guests to experience our incredible activities.
Wheelchair challenge course
Mobile climbing wall
Wheelchair abseil slab
Hoists and harnesses for less mobile guests
Accessible swing and zip activities
“Excellent. Appreciate being able to access a facility like this where it’s inclusive of all abilities to be able to see my son take part in things not possible elsewhere that he’s ever had the experience of is amazing”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“They were well managed and staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to help us feel comfortable, safe and secure, without being over cautious.”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“We had so much fun doing everything and it was all so inclusive “
Calvert Lakes Guest
“Activities were amazing, the equipment was top notch. The instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraged the children and adults all week. Our instructor Bea was always energetic and enthusiastic with the group and made accomodation for our child’s SEN.”
Calvert Lakes Guest
Climbing FAQ's
Take a look at our most frequently asked questions.
Who can enjoy climbing?
Indoor climbing in the traditional sense is best for mobile guests who can use their hands and feet to climb using holds on a climbing wall. For less mobile visitors, climbing might look more like trying an abseil, swing, zip or being hoisted up a gently pitched climbing wall. Everyone can experience the thrill of leaving the ground and we can alter the degree depending on the needs of the individual.
Where is climbing available at Calvert Lakes?
Primarily, we use our well-equipped sports hall for climbing although we can take more ambulant groups rock climbing in the Lake District. Ask our activities coordinators for more information about climbing off-site.
Is climbing safe?
Yes, we provide helmets and harnesses to all climbers, and every activity is monitored and supported by a team of experienced instructors. Climbers are clipped onto ropes and belayed by at least one other person and our equipment is regularly checked to ensure its integrity and quality.
How long does climbing take?
Climbing or rope activities onsite are usually offered as a morning or afternoon activity and can take up to 2 hours, depending on group size and ability. Groups can choose what they want to try and our activity programmes are customised to achieve desired outcomes.
Do you qualify for financial support?
At Calvert Lakes, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joys of outdoor adventure. We also understand that the cost of a residential stay can be a barrier. Thanks to the hard work of our fundraising team, we have regular releases of bursary funding that can further help support your residential stay with us.
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